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Tuesday, 15 July 2014

Pastel Pencil Exercise on Shading Buildings on Ingress Paper

This
simple shading exercise on Ingres paper was completed as a step by step Youtube
clip. Each stage is clearly laid out within the speed art movie, but is explained
in depth here. This drawing demo comprises a typical village scene, in this
case, a church enclosed by trees. The church is located in the Lake District in
the UK.

Materials
Needed for Shading on Ingres Paper

Pastel Pencils for Shading Ingres Paper

The
drawing equipment used for this sketch was pastel pencils in the following
colors: white, light grey, mid grey, sepia and black. A wide pencil sharpener,
HB pencil and eraser were used for the preliminary drawing. The Ingres paper
used was A5 (8inx6.5in) in size.

What
is Ingres Paper?

Briefly,
Ingres paper is simply a toned paper with a canvas-like texture. I used mid grey
paper in this exercise, where the texture was like canvas. Ingres paper can be
found in an array of tones from duck egg to dark grey. The texture of Ingres
paper means that soft pencil can ‘skid’ over the rough surface, leaving behind
pleasing textured effects.

See my speed art clip on shading with pastel pencils on Youtube

How
to Sketch with Pencil Pastels

After
carefully completing the line sketch (use the eraser sparingly as it could flatten
the texture of the paper) I shaded the sunlit rooftops with white. I applied
firm pressure to create a relatively solid tone. The edge of the white pencil
was used to bring out sharp detail around the spires and the sunlit walls.

Using
Sepia Pencils in Drawing

Step by Step on Shading on Ingres Paper with Pastels

For
the shaded walls, I lightly shaded sepia pencil to create a sharp contrast in
tone, but softened the tone with mid grey afterwards. Working pencils in layers
helps to bring an even, soft tone to the buildings. Always avoid exerting too
much pressure initially. I used the soft edge of the pencil tip.

Once
the mid grey was shaded over the church walls, I carefully illustrated the
windows with black. Keep edges sharp for detail. This means using the sharpener
for these areas. Take note that a little mid grey is needed where the light
catches the architraves. This will help suggest recesses in the church wall.

Shading
on Grey Paper

Once
the church tones had been blocked in, I shaded mid grey on the drystone wall in
front, dappling white at the top of the wall. This helped suggest sunlight catching
the top of the wall.

As
can be seen, an array of textures was used for the background. I applied
pointillism and irregular marks over the sunlit canopies behind the church, and
then shaded a more even layer over the distant woodlands. I moved the pencil in
vertical strokes to emulate the trees. White was used for the sunlit tops and
the hills. Remember to keep comparing how one tone relates to another
throughout the painting. This helps retain tonal imbalances.

Sky
Shading with Pastel Pencils

I
applied an uneven layer of white over the sky and the foreground to bring
harmony to the composition. I allowed some of the grey paper to show beneath in
places to retain that textural feel. I finally scribbled sepia over the large
tree on the left, moving the pencil in the direction of growth. I was careful
not to overdo it, or the area could look overworked. I used a black pencil for
the darkest areas.

As
a final touch, I drew the spires at the top of the roofs and neatened detail.
Sharpened pastel pencils were needed for these areas.

Quick
Shading Exercise on Ingres Paper

As
can be seen here, an effective sketch in pastel pencils on Ingres paper can be
completed within an hour and with just a few pencils. I began light first,
working into darker shades later on the drawing. Applying shading lightly will
bring out the texture of the paper.

This blog offers art challenges for oils, alkyds, acrylics, watercolors, pastels and crafts for all ages which might be used for developing artists or as lesson plan ideas for teachers. I have a BA in Fine Art and a PCET in teaching. I have condensed my teaching experience within my book ‘How do I Inspire my Art Class? I have also written other books on oil painting. Read more about this blog.